HUNDREDS of people lined up along Deakin Avenue on Friday to applaud a parade of veterans, cadets, and servicepeople in commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli.
The march preluded the Anzac Day ceremony which included wreath laying by Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Helen Healy, Member for Mallee Anne Webster, and Member for Mildura Jade Benham.
Primary school and secondary college representatives from across the Sunraysia region also took part in the commemoration, as well as Girl Guides, Mildura Scouts, navy and army cadets, war widows, emergency service people and more.
Serving defence force personnel Royal Australian Navy Commodore Grant O’Loughlan, an aviator with more than 30-years experience, was this year’s guest speaker.
“109 years ago the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landing was observed in Australia, New Zealand, England, and by troops in Egypt,” he said.
“Today as we honour the sacrifice of the first Anzacs, we also knowledge those who have followed their tradition through World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, on US peacekeeping missions and other operations.
“Australians today remember with pride and thanksgiving our fellow citizens who have answered the call of duty, and whose lives are lost in the service of this nation, and to liberate others from tyranny.
“We also remember those who were so scarred by what they witnessed and endured they could not live the lives of right promise they had hoped to lead, carrying scars both seen and unseen of their service to our country.
“The impact of loss and injuries of so many Australians ripples across our nation and shapes who we are.
“Today we do not glorify war but hope for peace, honour those who served in order that we might enjoy the fruits of democracy, and reflect on the qualities which make us finer as individuals and a nation.”
